1979 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews - Page 2 of 4

1979 Chevrolet Malibu Classic Wagon 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

They should build them like this again!

Faults:

There were no major problems with this car during the 13 years members of my family drove it. Minor problems were light rust on rear quarter panels and frame, and fading of the interior when the car was older.

General Comments:

I was given this '79 Malibu Wagon by my parents in high school, and drove it until I bought first new car in 1992, a piece of junk Hyundai I regretted trading this Chevy in on soon after. The Malibu wagon was not considered, "cool," or a performance car, but it never failed to get me to school and work and then some without an ounce of trouble or ever stranding me. It would always start easily even in extreme cold when my friends cars would not, therefore I was always the one who drove. It was built sturdy, was comfortable and had a great ride, and gave me a secure feeling, things most of the new cars I have owned since it have not given me. It was also very simple and easy for an owner to maintain themself, with inexpensive regular maintenance parts I could get at any auto store. It was just the right size too, not a big tank yet not compact, it was easy to park and maneuver. The back of the wagon with seat down could gobble up a lot of party gear. As I recall it was never a gas hog either. I just wish America would build something with all the great attributes of this car again! I recently bought a nicely preserved one of these classic wagons to bring back fond memories of what a non-disposable car is, and will use it as a summer cruiser hopefully to the day I die.

1979 Chevrolet Malibu Classic 305 from North America

Summary:

Faults:

General Comments:

I replaced the original engine for a bigger more peppy one.

The car is still excellent on gas.

It handles like a new car.

People stop and stare when they hear me coming because the engine is a little louder (by choice of course). The rims I recently put on the car gives it that sparkle it needed to make it stand out just a little more. I get offers almost everyday to buy my car.

1979 Chevrolet Malibu Classic 267 from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Replaced worn out door latch striker a result of the broken door hinge.

Engine is starting to burn oil.

Factory clock is not working probably a bad ground if you hit a bump it works momentarily.

General Comments:

I love these cars, they are one of the few cars from the late seventies that are desirable. It has very aggressive lines if the stance is set correctly.

I am always complimented on the car now that I fixed the rust and installed new rear springs. The chrome five spoke rims make it look very aggressive.

The interior is a little worn the drivers side bucket seat is cracking. Other than that I have no problems with the car. Although it is a little lacking in the power department with the 267 a four barrel helped it a bit.

The car has never let me down it has always started when I needed it to.

It is soon to have a 350 installed because the 267 is very weak. I really do love these cars. I had been looking for a two door Malibu for over 3 years till I found this one and want more of them.

5th May 2006, 18:45

I was reading that you had changed the door latch on your Malibu. I have a problem with mine that I can't get the door open anymore because the latch is either broken or stuck. I have tryed just about everything and was wondering if you have had the same problem and what you did to fix it.

21st Jul 2006, 06:53

I have owned my '79 for almost 18 yrs. It was my first car. I just turned 16 and my dad and I fixed her up. I at first thought it was a granny car. Back in the late 80s, who fixed up a 79?? But after working on her, it was love. Awesome from day one. 18 years and thousands of dollars later, its even more awesome. And you can get just about anything to rebuild it to perform. Suspension, fuel system, brakes, engine, you name it, I replaced it. The perfect foundation for anyone looking for the real muscle set up. And she looks mean with a hood scoop and more aggressive suspension.